Texas Tech game

It's a big one tonight Hornfans. The Red Raiders roll off the South Plains and into Austin, bringing with them a #15 ranking, a 10-3 record, wins over Oklahoma and Kansas State, and a whopping 91-64 win over Iowa State (a much bigger margin than we beat ISU by). Tech has outscored opponents 982-754, outrebounded opponents 469-416, holds a turnover lead over opponents of 239-146, and has blocked an average of 4.2 shots per game--with our shot blockers on the same court, that should be entertaining.

Tech's scoring is mostly spread over a number of guards, who are good outside shooters (33.1 3-point %). It's not a matter of just shutting down 1 or 2 hot hands (although slowing down Shannon and Edwards from the 3-point line would go a long ways--see eye-popping 3-point percentages below). Tech wins by outside shooting and good D. They're sort of like us, but without the excellent big men. Tech's scoring leaders are:

Mac McClung (G) - 15.3 points per game (.311 3-point %)
Terren Shannon, Jr. (G, 6'6") - 13.6 points per game (.393 3-point %)
Kyler Edwards (G) - 10.6 points per game (.369 3-point %)
Kevin McCullar - (G, 6'6") 10.3 points per game
Marcus Santos-Silva (F, 6'7") - 8.7 points per game

Note, two of these guards are 6'6", and could create some match-up challenges. The only man on the team taller than 6'7" is a big 7'1" Russian Freshman, Vladislav Goldin. Vlad only averages 2.8 points per game and 1.5 rebounds per game, so he's not much of a force in the paint. Not yet. Note, the Red Raiders have not faced anywhere near the level of non-conference opponents we've faced, so they haven't been through the gauntlet.

Look for us to work it down to Kai, Brown, and Sims more than in past games, and for some rough action as we dominate the boards. Tech plays tough defense, although not as tough as ours. It's two top defenses squaring off. We should have the advantage on the boards--that could be the difference.

https://wtop.com/ncaa-basketball/2021/01/no-15-texas-tech-looks-to-knock-off-no-4-texas/

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Thanks Chop^^^. good preview of the game.

 

Go Horns!

 

Horns are playing smart, not many fouls, tight D and focused shooting. The 3's are falling so far. Up by 7 with four min left in first half.
Alright!!

 

We’ve been hitting the threes, guarding Tech’s aces well enough, and Sims has taken over down low. Great effort in the first half.

 

Ha! Tech has a player with a mullet and stache.

 

Horns shooting great tonight.

 

K. Jones just made a totally unnecessary foul on a three point shooter to bail out ttu with the shot clock winding down. Dammit!

 

Saw that dude and thought "clearly he must not have game so he has to put on that schtick"

 

I’d like to see the inside in the paint game come alive in the 2nd half.

l don’t think the 3’s will keep falling at the hot pace we saw in the 1st half.

Defense is excellent so far

 

Yep. Our shooting was great. Sims showed he could punk these guys down low. Need to keep that up. We’re beating them on the boards as well. Great D. Very great D in the first half.

 

Missed first half but ready for second

 

If you recorded it, then you might get to see one of the best defensive halves we’ve played. McClung and their other guards can narrow a lead quickly if they’re not tightly guarded.

 

Bad start to second half.

 

Came out with No energy in 2nd half. Ttu is right back in the game

 

Block by Brown!

 

Sims w the O board!

 

Another block by Brown!

 

Yet another block by Brown!

 

I’m seeing more rejections tonight than when I was in high school seeking dates to the prom.

 

Brown’s D has kept Horns in the game in this half

 

sims!!!

 

Looking at Sims, the basketball strength and conditioning coach is doing one hell of a job.

 

We’re up but I don’t t like how we’re playing. This could turn quickly if we don’t find our groove on offense.

 

It sure would be nice to have a big crowd tonight.

 

Ttu is not going away. Gonna be a tight game down to the wire

 

You are right. Both teams play incredible defense.

 

We need to find a way to get more paint points

 

Yep, we’re in trouble. Shaka better fix it....and fast

 

Let’s go